EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·9d ago·5 min read
City building games have a Soul Problem pt.2
TL;DR
Cities: Skylines 2 evokes nostalgia for city-building play but disappoints with its aesthetics, leading to frustration for players. The game's visual design lacks the charm and realism that players desire.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider evaluating the visual design elements in your own projects to enhance user experience.
Key Takeaways
- Reflect on childhood experiences to inspire game design.
- Prioritize aesthetics in simulation game development.
- Analyze player feedback on visual elements.
- Experiment with more organic city layouts.
Full Summary
The author reflects on their ongoing engagement with Cities: Skylines 2, despite initial disappointment. They draw parallels between childhood play with toy cars and the desire to create in the game.
The focus shifts to the game's aesthetics, which the author finds lacking, describing the city as 'square and unnatural.' A specific example highlights the unattractive junction of sidewalks, building tiles, and grass, prompting the author to question the visual appeal of their city.
This dissatisfaction with aesthetics detracts from the overall experience, leading to moments of frustration. The piece emphasizes the importance of visual design in simulation games and how it can impact player enjoyment.